Choosing a new lawnmower used to be a simple choice between a manual push mower or a basic petrol machine. However, the world of garden machinery has evolved rapidly. As an online specialist here at Just Lawnmowers, we see thousands of models every year, and the sheer variety of technology now available can be overwhelming.
Because we aren’t limited by the floor space of a traditional showroom, we are able to offer an incredible breadth of choice, from GPS-guided robots to emission-free battery power. In this guide, we break down the different types of lawnmowers available in 2026 to help you find the perfect match for your lawn, your lifestyle, and your budget.
1. Petrol Lawnmowers: The Traditional Powerhouse
For many, the petrol mower remains the gold standard for raw power and durability.
- Walk-Behind (Push): Best for small to medium flat lawns. You provide the momentum, and the engine handles the cutting.
- Self-Propelled: These machines feature a drive system that pulls the mower forward. If your garden has slopes or you find pushing a heavy mower tiring, a self-propelled model is essential.
- Why choose petrol? They offer unlimited runtime (provided you have a jerry can) and are generally better at tackling thick, damp, or overgrown grass that might stall an entry-level electric motor.
2. Cordless Battery Mowers: The Modern Revolution
The biggest shift in the industry over the last decade has been the rise of Lithium-ion technology. Modern cordless mowers like those from Stiga, Mountfield, and Ego now rival petrol machines for performance.
- The Benefits: They are incredibly quiet, produce zero emissions, and require virtually no engine maintenance. There are no pull-cords to struggle with; you simply push a button and mow.
- Best for: Suburban gardens where noise is a concern and gardeners who want a “grab-and-go” experience without the hassle of mixing fuel.
3. Electric Lawnmowers: Reliable and Affordable
If you have a smaller garden and a nearby power socket, a corded electric lawn mower is often the most sensible choice.
- The Benefits: They are the most affordable entry point into mowing. You get “unlimited” runtime without the cost of expensive batteries or the need to store flammable fuel.
- Expert Tip: While the cable requires a bit of management to ensure you don’t mow over it, the lightweight nature of electric mowers makes them incredibly easy to carry and store in a small shed.
4. Rear-Roller Mowers: For the Iconic Striped Finish
If you’ve ever looked at a professional football pitch or a stately home and envied the perfectly straight light and dark stripes, you need a Rear-Roller mower.
Instead of rear wheels, these mowers have a heavy steel or plastic roller. This roller flattens the grass in the direction you are mowing to create the striped effect.
- Added Benefit: A roller allows you to mow right up to (and over) the edge of flowerbeds without the mower tipping into the soil.
5. Cylinder vs. Rotary: Understanding the Cut
Most mowers you see are Rotary – they have one high-speed blade spinning horizontally like a helicopter. They are versatile all-rounders.
Cylinder mowers, however, use a series of curved blades on a front-mounted drum that cut against a stationary bottom blade – just like a pair of scissors.
- Best for: Those who want a “bowling green” finish. If you keep your lawn very short and flat, a cylinder mower provides the cleanest, healthiest cut possible.
6. Ride-on Mowers and Garden Tractors
Once your garden exceeds half an acre, a walk-behind mower becomes a marathon. This is where Ride-ons and Tractors come in.
- Riders: Compact and agile, perfect for large gardens with tight turns and flowerbeds.
- Tractors: Larger machines designed for wide-open spaces. They are the “workhorses” of the garden and can often be fitted with trailers or spreaders for year-round garden maintenance.
7. Robotic Mowers: The “Hands-Off” Approach
Imagine never having to spend your Saturday morning mowing again. Robotic mowers live in your garden, charging themselves at a base station and heading out daily to keep the grass at a constant, perfect height.
- Best for: Busy homeowners who value their time. They are quiet enough to run at night and keep the lawn looking “just cut” every single day.
Which one is right for you?
The “perfect” mower is the one that fits your specific garden. A small urban patch doesn’t need a tractor, and a three-acre paddock will destroy a small electric mower.
Still unsure? Because we sell online only, our team focuses 100% of their time on providing expert technical advice over the phone and via email to ensure you get the right machine delivered to your door. Browse our full range of Lawnmowers here or give us a call for a personalized recommendation!
